Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity for parents and students to customize course content to their interests, goals, and learning styles. With more parents of all backgrounds turning to homeschooling due to the current pandemic, many are worried that the American curriculum will not cover art and music – two important elements of a well-rounded education.
This article attempts to answer some of the common questions about homeschooling and the American curriculum to help parents and students figure out how to meet those art and music requirements.
What Does the American Curriculum Include in Terms of Art and Music?
The American curriculum does include a certain amount of art and music education. Generally, a typical school year involves music classes focusing on history, theory, instruments, and composition.
In terms of art, schools in the United States generally require drawing, painting, sculpting, and mixed media classes. Though these classes vary greatly depending on the individual school and its offerings.
How Do I Find Curriculum That Meets Arts and Music Requirements?
If you are homeschooling and are looking for curriculum that meets your art and music requirements, there are several things you should consider. First, you need to figure out your particular educational goals.
For example, if you want your child to be able to pursue a career as a professional artist or musician, then you may need to select more rigorous courses than you would if you just wanted to provide your child with general foundations in art and music. Once you have determined your educational goals, you should research different sources for curriculum to find ones that meet those goals. You can find many sources of curriculum, such as books and websites, including some specific designed for homeschoolers.
Additionally, you will want to look into both online and in-person classes and see what resources are available in your area. It is important to research a variety of resources and compare them to ensure that you are selecting the best curriculum for your needs.
What Are the Benefits of Including Art and Music in Homeschooling?
There are many benefits of including art and music in homeschooling. Art and music can help develop strong cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills in children.
These skills can transfer over to their other studies, helping children better understand and retain the material they are learning. Additionally, art and music can help children explore their own identity and creativity, while also introducing them to other cultures and people. There are also numerous social benefits to including art and music in homeschooling.
Through creative activities, children can learn valuable lessons in collaboration, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Art and music can provide children with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with their peers, allowing them to make new friends and learn from one another.
Finally, art and music can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression – all of which are important for both children and adults.
What Information Do I Need to Gather Before Implementing an Art and Music Program?
Before implementing an art and music program into your homeschool, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, you should research the subject thoroughly and read up on the various styles and approaches to teaching art and music.
Next, you should determine what resources are available to you in your local area, including any classes or mentors. You should also think about budgeting for any art and music supplies or lessons that you may need. Once you have a better understanding of the art and music landscape, you should create an inventory of the materials you already have available.
This is especially important if you plan on creating an art and music program for multiple students. Finally, you should assess any skill level gaps in your children so that you can properly tailor their course of study to meet their individual needs.
What Are Some New Ways to Teach Art and Music?
Some new ways to teach art and music include online resources. With online resources, parents and students have access to a variety of materials, activities, and lessons they can do in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, thanks to technology, students have the ability to learn and practice playing instruments and creating art digitally.
Parents can also take advantage of other materials in place of traditional teaching methods. For example, there are books, DVDs, and other materials they can use to provide instruction to their children.
Additionally, parents can look into private lessons from professional artists and musicians to further supplement their child’s education.
What Are the Benefits of Using Inquiry-Based Learning for Teaching Art and Music?
Inquiry-based learning is an active learning method in which students explore and investigate topics of interest through investigative questioning. This type of learning is beneficial for teaching art and music for several reasons.
First, inquiry-based learning can help students develop critical thinking skills, which can help them to create their own art and music. Additionally, inquiry-based learning promotes self-direction and allows students to explore their own interests in a hands-on manner. Inquiry-based learning can also help students to better understand and appreciate other cultures and ways of expression.
Finally, inquiry-based learning helps to engage students in more meaningful activities, which can have positive impacts on students’ self-esteem and motivation.
What Tools Do We Need to Make Teaching Art and Music Easier?
Making teaching art and music easier can be done with the right tools and resources. First, it is important to have a variety of art supplies, music instruments, and relevant books and resources. Additionally, digital tools, such as software and apps specifically designed for teaching art and music, can be extremely helpful in providing instruction, example projects, and activities.
It can also be beneficial to have a physical whiteboard or bulletin board that parents and students can use to track homework, lessons, and progression. Additionally, having a designated space – be it a room or a designated corner – for art and music creation can help both teachers and students stay organized and focused.
Finally, having streaming services, such as YouTube or Netflix, to watch videos and shows related to art and music can be an excellent way to keep students engaged and excited about learning.
What Are Some Tips for Teaching Art and Music to Homeschoolers?
When it comes to teaching art and music to homeschoolers, there are several tips to keep in mind. First, it is important to make sure that the curriculum is tailored towards the students’ age, abilities, and interests.
Additionally, it is important to keep learning fun and interesting – incorporating games, art and music activities, and other hands-on learning strategies. It can also be helpful to offer rewards and incentives to help students stay motivated and engaged. Finally, it is important to give students plenty of time and space to explore, play, and experiment with their art and music.
Providing resources and tools for exploration and understanding can help keep students engaged and reiterates the value of learning.
Conclusion
Homeschooling has become increasingly popular, allowing parents and students to customize their curriculum in a way that meets their needs and interests. While the American curriculum does include a certain amount of art and music education, homeschoolers may need to source additional or more rigorous resources to meet their goals. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools and materials available that parents and students can use to create an effective art and music program.
With the right resources and a bit of planning and organization, homeschoolers can easily meet their art and music requirements.